O-mama - Opinionated Moms

Photo Tyner Family

John Tyner was set to fly from San Diego to South Dakota, but never made it out of the airport.  Why?  Well, he refused to get a full body scan, or a pat down at security which led to a snarky exchange with the TSA.  He posted the incident, including cell-phone video, on his website and it went viral. He told the TSA agent, “If you touch my junk, I’ll have you arrested," which has now become the country’s newest t-shirt slogan.  Tyner is now making the talk show circuit, sending a message that, “People ought to do what their consciences say they should do…if civil disobedience is a way they think would work, I think they should do it.” Awesome.

There is even a “movement” for travelers to refuse body scans on the busiest travel day of the year - the day before Thanksgiving.  They’re calling it “National Op-Out Day.”  Really, now?  This might be a good year to fly home for turkey day…the planes might not be totally full.  It would be an interesting choice for travelers to Opt-Out…not only would they lose money on their ticket, but pay thousands of dollars in fines - in this economy, really?

Some of us are asking ourselves if we should submit to body scans and pat downs just to board a plane…and some of us are wondering if, without these security measures, would it be advisable to board a plane after 9/11 and Christmas tree underpants guy.  But, the bottom line is that it’s the law that you cannot board a plane without going through a security check.  The TSA is charged with this gigantic responsibility of protecting passengers, and is using whatever they can to keep our planes from exploding and killing innocent people.  Is it perfect - nope?  But, it is what it is right now.  Why aren't we spending our brain cells figuring out how to make the screenings more efficient and effective, instead of complaining about having to get screened?

A message to young Tyner - besides "don't be such a turkey" and, seriously, no one cares about your junk, unless it is going to blow up the airplane - is to “be careful what you wish for,” because insufficient airport security is what cost thousands of lives a few years ago, and increased security has saved who knows how many.  Mr. Tyner you were only 20 at the time, so the World Trade Center might not have been on your radar, but let us jog your memory.  It was the worst terrorist attack in our country's history, so we're all going to have to deal with some inconveniences at the airport.  Sorry, but you're acting like a selfish brat.

Americans might want to consider going the way of Israel’s El-Al and have multiple security checks before boarding.  Yep, because it isn't about making it super easy to get on the plane people.  El-Al hasn’t had anyone get on their plane with a bomb in his pants, but we have, even with the increased measures.  Our system isn’t perfect…there is a lot we can do to make things more efficient and effective, but we can't “opt-out” of trying. 

The big bummer is that in a society where we can immediately post a video of ourselves getting patted-down by the TSA on the internet to share with the whole world, we suddenly become protective of our privacy when going through airport security?  Who are we kidding?  It is worrisome that Americans either have short memories, or do not understand fully that there are a bunch of wack-jobs out there who mean to kill us…and they have long-term plans.  Anyone who wants to go back to the airport security dark ages or skip the extra security…it's your choice, but not at the expense of everyone else's safety.  So, get a Greyhound bus pass or ride Amtrak, until they wise up and start security checks, too!  You can always drive your own car - we'll never know what junk you've got in the trunk?!  But, we'll wave at you as we fly over.